Luka Dončić admitted he was mentally drained after a whirlwind 2024-25 NBA season that saw him traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, per Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh.
“I’m mentally kind of exhausted from everything that happened,” Dončić said at the 2:45 mark of his press conference following the Lakers’ first-round playoff elimination to the Minnesota Timberwolves. “I know a lot of people won’t believe me, but I am. I think now it’s time to process everything.”
Dončić’s first postseason as a Laker ended on April 30 in a 103-96 Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves in Los Angeles.
The Slovenian star has repeatedly spoken about the emotional impact of the February 2 trade, which caught him off guard despite reported tension between his camp and the Mavericks for over a year prior, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
“Dallas was my home for seven years, almost seven years. It really felt like home,” Dončić told reporters on March 20. “So just coming here, trying to build a new home, and I’m getting more and more comfortable.”
Dončić was visibly emotional during the Mavericks’ April 9 tribute to him in his first return to Dallas. At the time, he admitted, “I know it’s been two months or something, but still adapting a little bit. It was a big change, but it’s getting better.”
Now, his short stint with the Lakers could influence a major decision. Dončić becomes eligible to sign a contract extension worth up to four years and $230 million starting August 2.
Asked about his contract plans after the Lakers’ elimination, Dončić replied, “I didn’t think it yet. I’ve been focused on basketball. Obviously, this is the time, now, to think about everything.”
As for his overall experience in Los Angeles, Dončić expressed gratitude.
“It’s been great. The way the fans accepted me, it’s been amazing. The community accepting me has been amazing. I’m really glad that I’m here. I had a great couple of months,” he said. “Was trying to learn about everything, about the city, about the things. So just trying to process everything.”
With Dončić’s future undecided and LeBron James yet to reveal whether he’ll opt into his 2025-26 player option, the Lakers’ offseason plans remain in flux.
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